Who has the better running duo in NFC east?

The Skins could have the best backfield in the NFC if the coaches utilized all their weapons. There's no reason that Portis, Betts and Carwright (maybe even Sellers) couldn't have been the NFC version of McGahee, McLain and Rice (at least during the first half of the season).

The best running teams don't run their primary back into the ground - Titans, Giants, Ravens, etc.

There is a big reason: Our O-Line sucked in 2008. The Ravens have one of the best/young O-lines in the NFL.

Love Portis, but when healthy I'll take Westbrook. He's got the receiving skills and game breaking ability that Portis lacks. Of course he's never 100% healthy but apples to apples Westbrook is better.

I know Westbrook used to give us HELL. It's just been so long since I've seen him healthy. I guess he's still a great back but we sure put it on him this year. :)

It could be the skins, but instead we prefer to run Clinton Portis into the ground until he's ineffective rather than split some carries.

It could be the skins, but instead we prefer to run Clinton Portis into the ground until he's ineffective rather than split some carries.

I agree with that. Hopefully we'll see some changes there next year.

It could be the skins, but instead we prefer to run Clinton Portis into the ground until he's ineffective rather than split some carries.

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Portis cry foul in the press and the media slam Zorn when Zorn tried to play another back?

So does T Choice still start for the Dallas Desperadoes or an NFL team.

Bring a thread like this to life after "The Rape in Philly" debacle? Clearly you have no shame. If we practiced ostracism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostracism#Procedure) in this forum you would have my vote.

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Portis cry foul in the press and the media slam Zorn when Zorn tried to play another back?

That has been my thought all along. Thanks for bringing it up Defensewins. Portis was on a record setting pace and I think somewhere along the line that became more important to him than anything else. It's kinda hard to play another back when Portis goes crying to the press and the FO says " Oh that's just Clinton". Zorn needs to call the shots while he's coaching as to who gives us the best chance to win, not Portis.

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Portis cry foul in the press and the media slam Zorn when Zorn tried to play another back?

Yes he did but it was because Zorn did not start him if I remember correctly.

Carolina Panthers have the best duo.

There is a big reason: Our O-Line sucked in 2008. The Ravens have one of the best/young O-lines in the NFL.

That's why I qualified my comment with (at least during the first half of the season). Portis had gaping holes to run through early in the season and even with the Ravens stellar O line, McLain and McGahee (their 2 leading rushers) only averaged 3.9 yards a carry each. Portis averaged 4.3.

And how about passing the ball to the running backs once in a while? Did anyone see what Sproles, Westbrook and that dude named Cobbs in Miami were able to do in the passing game? I'd like to see Cartwright more on third down while Portis and Betts operate more like the backs in Carolina, Baltimore, New York, Miami, etc.

I bet Cartwright would be good for 4-6 big plays each year (like Westbrook's 71 yard scamper yesterday off a screen pass). The Eagles O line didn't have anything to do with that play.